Tertuis Simmers

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says 400 emergency units in Masiphumelele have been erected on the site where a devastating fire in December 2020 destroyed approximately 1 100 informal homes. All of these temporary units are now occupied by residents, after 79 were attended to for minor defects. Minister Simmers said: “I’m …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says, with 43 deserving and qualifying beneficiaries moving into their brand new homes in the Forest Village Housing Development in Eersteriver, on Thursday, 4 and Tuesday 9 February 2021, the Western Cape Government (WCG) is once again demonstrating that it is wholly committed to improving the lives …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says the construction of emergency structures for Masiphumelele residents who were displaced during a devastating fire in December, is making steady progress. As at close of business on 19 January 2021, 176 units have been constructed. The construction of these structures commenced 5 days ago, which means …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says the emergency provision of R32 million to the City of Cape Town (CoCT) is to ensure that residents from Masiphumelele who were severely affected during a fire in December are in the short-term assisted with emergency building kits. Since the emergency funds had been made available …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says he is pleased that the National Department of Human Settlements Water and Sanitation (NDoHSWS) has agreed to make emergency funding available for the residents of Masiphumelele, who recently lost their homes in a disastrous fire. Following the recent fire that destroyed more than 1000 homes, the …

Following a recent fire that destroyed homes in Masiphumelele, Western Cape Human Settlements MEC Tertuis Simmers, has called on the public to assist where they can. “While there is a particular need for baby formula, nappies and educational material at present, any and all donations are welcomed. Donations can be dropped off at local Non-Profit …

On Friday, 11 December 2020, The Department of Human Settlements tabled its 2019/2020 annual report at Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP). The Department delivered 16217 housing opportunities out of a target of 16859. A total of 8038 housing units was delivered against a target of 9723. In addition, 2 337 EEDBS opportunities were provided to …

The Western Cape Government (WCG) welcomes the decision by Judge President Hlophe to allocate a third judge in part B of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) litigation against the City of Cape Town (CoCT), as to the use of counter- spoliation by landowners as a means to …

Tomorrow, part B of the South African Human Rights Commission and the Economic Freedom Fighters’ litigation against the City of Cape Town in respect of the rights of landowners to halt an illegal land invasion in progress, commences in the Western Cape High Court. In September, the Western Cape Government (WCG) filed an intervening affidavit, …

Yesterday, during an information session with beneficiaries of the Catalytic Transhex Housing Project in Worcester, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Tertuis Simmers informed those present that the first 58 of the 190 beneficiaries will move into their brand-new homes on 13 December 2020. The balance of the 190 will move in between January and end …

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, calls upon Professional Service Providers (PSP’s) in the built and related environments, to submit bids, to participate in a Framework Agreement with his Department. Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs ), women and youth working within the built-environment space are particularly encouraged to tender their services for upcoming …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers said at the commencement of the annual National Disability Rights Awareness Month, which is between 3 November and 3 December, that the delivery of housing opportunities to the most vulnerable, deserving and particularly for persons living with disabilities, is a priority for his Department. Between 1 April …

By cutting the Western Cape Title Deed Restoration Grant (TDRG) by over R23 million, as part of the R10,5 billion bailout to SAA, the National Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni had demonstrated that the National Government was not prepared to make the tough choices needed for a real recovery, that would ensure jobs, safety and …

Between 1 July 2020 and 30 September 2020, the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) has made significant progress in addressing its backlog, by reducing its cases from 1 903 to 1 635. Further to this, 629 complaints were entered, 1 159 cases were closed, while 2 029 remain open. The reduction in the backlog …

The Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says today’s 20- year celebration of the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) clearly demonstrates the significant role they’ve played over the years in ensuring that conflict between landlords and tenants are resolved. Established in 2000 and seeking to harmonise the relationship between landlords and tenants, the RHT …

Today, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers handed over 18 title deeds to deserving recipients in Khayelitsha. The title deed handover has been made possible through our Title Deed Restoration Grant (TDRG) and forms part of the Department’s strategic goal to prioritise the elderly for security of tenure in the Western Cape. Minister …

As World Habitat Day (WHD) is celebrated across the globe today (5 October 2020), Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says his department is fully committed to creating integrated communities, to ensure the reshaping of our cities and towns. Minister Simmers said: “This day reminds us that we need to become more radical …

As part of its Informal Settlement Support Programme (ISSP), the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch’s Fire Engineering Research Unit (FireSUN), developed a response plan to improve fire safety in informal settlements. This detailed report and guideline on fire safety engineering for informal settlements, which is part of …

This past week 66 beneficiaries of the Boystown housing development in Nyanga, moved into their brand-new homes. In total, 116 beneficiaries have benefitted from this project since July 2020. The Boystown project which commenced in 2010, has a budget allocation of just over R 308 million and aims to deliver 1548 housing opportunities. It is …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says he is pleased that the student accommodation has broken ground at the Belhar CBD project. Minister Simmers said: “The sod turning marks an important step in the Belhar CBD project. From the outset, the aim of this development has been to demonstrate what an integrated, mixed-use …

Today, the Western Cape Government (WCG) filed an intervening affidavit in the Western Cape High Court, requesting that it be allowed to participate in part B of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) litigation against the City of Cape Town (CoCT) in respect of the rights of landowners …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements Tertuis Simmers says, addressing the apartheid spatial planning legacy is a Provincial imperative and as such well-located affordable housing has been designated as a priority. This is particularly true for the various social housing projects that are currently underway across the Western Cape. Chief among these are the Conradie …

The Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says he is pleased that the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) is using technology to continue assisting residents of the province, given the importance of adhering to the covid-19 regulations. When the initial hard lockdown was announced in March 2020, the RHT had to cease its operations …

Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers says, since the beginning of August 2020, 132 deserving and qualifying beneficiaries have moved into their brand-new homes in Forest Village, Eersteriver. All beneficiaries are from neighbouring communities such as Eersteriver, Blue Downs, Mfuleni and Blackheath. This brings the total number of local and N2 Gateway residents who …

Today the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, in his capacity as the Provincial Government’s lead in the covid response for the Garden Route conducted an awareness campaign in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu, George. Minister Simmers, who was accompanied by the Garden Route District Mayor, Memory Booysen and the George Municipal Mayor, Leon van …

Yesterday, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers officially opened the Botrivier Community Hall (BCH) in Botrivier. The BCH came to fruition after the Theewaterskloof Municipality in 2016, applied to the Provincial Department of Human Settlements (DHS) Project Planning Committee (PPC) for this Socio-Economic Facility. Although Botrivier had the Kromco hall, it was determined …

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says, the empowerment and creation of more opportunities for women in the human settlements sector, remains a key focus area of his Department. Minister Simmers said: “On the eve of this years’ woman’s day, I’d like to appeal to more women to seriously consider entering the construction …

The Western Cape Government has not received 14 000 hectares of land for human settlement development from the National Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille. In a Cape Argus article, on 21 July 2020, she is economical with the truth, particularly since she highlights her own contradictions. She confirms that the National …

Western Cape Minister of human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers welcomed the progress that is being made at the Rooidakke Housing Development in Grabouw, and that the contractor is adhering to all health and safety protocols as issued by the Provincial Department of Human Settlements. Minister Simmers said: “I am looking forward to returning to the area …